HOLIDAYMAKERS and residents came to the rescue of Minehead lifeboatmen when their tractor broke down as they tried to launch their smaller D Class vessel.
The crew had been called to help a yacht taking in water off Foreland Point, near Lynmouth, at lunch-time yesterday (Thursday).
Onlookers gathered round - and literally manhandled the boat into the water.
The station's larger Atlantic 75 lifeboat was also launched and rescued one man off the yacht, which was heading to Ilfracombe from Barry.
A helicopter from RAF Chivenor winched two children to safety from the yacht, while a lifeboat from Ilfracombe towed the vessel back to harbour.
Minehead Lifeboat secretary Kevin Escott thanked everyone who stepped in to help with yesterday's launch.
He said: "We really appreciated the help we got. It was a real community effort, made even better by the fact we were able to help the yacht when we got there."